CARDIFF BAY THINGS TO DO

Cardiff Bay is the surrounding area of the water in the South of Cardiff. This is created by the Cardiff barrage. It is regarded as one of the more popular areas of Cardiff and is recognised for its regeneration. The Bay is rich in Cardiff’s history. It was the main source of exporting coal from the South Wales Valley. There are regular busses to Cardiff Bay from city center, making it easily accessible. There is also plenty of parking if you were to take the car. Today, it is a social hub for many events and the area is not shy of things to do: 

1. Cardiff Bay Food Festival

As a local, this is something I attend every year. It is a great place for friends and families. There are hundreds of stallswith independent vendors selling theirlocally sourced products. Many stalls to tasters so you can go through them tasting all the individual and unusual foods.There is usually a band playing and the surrounding areas have fun fair rides. This is always a great day out. 

2. Millennium Centre 

The Cardiff Bay Millennium Center was built in 2004. The centre is a hub for performing arts and has hosted performances of opera, ballet, theatre and musicals. The building has one large theatre and two smaller halls with shops, bars and restaurants. The site covers a total area of 4.7 acres and has a beautiful bronze exterior. The interior is made up of wood and metal and is truly incredible for someone who appreciates good architecture. If you have to opportunity to attend a show, then I highly recommend. If not, just go inside and look around this fantastic building. 

3. Cardiff Bay Ice Rink

The Cardiff Bay ice rink is known as the Viola Arena for sponsorship reasons. Its located in Cardiff International Sports Village and was opened in March 2016. It is home of ice hockey team Cardiff Devils and has two ice rinks seating just over 3,000 spectators. The rink is usually open to the public with skates available to hire.

4. White Water Rafting Centre

This is one for you adrenaline junkies. The Olympic standard White-Water Rafting Centre was opened in 2010 in the Cardiff International Sports Village. The center offers activities such as white-water rafting, kayaking, surfing, paddle boarding, high ropes, river boarding and climbing wall. Activities are available for all ages. If you're looking for an adventure filled day this is the place to go.

5. Cardiff Bay Glee Club

The Glee Club is home to Cardiff’s comedy. The club hosts many comedians from all over the counrty and runs regular events. If comedy is your thing be sure to visit this place. The Glee Club has hosted touring comedians including Alan Carr, Michael McIntyre, Sarah Millican, Ross Noble, Rhod Gilbert and many more.

6. Mermaid Quay

If you're wondering where to eat in Cardiff Bay head towards Mermaid Quay. This is a lovely area on the waterfront filled with bars andrestaurants. In the summer this area is filled with people drinking and eating outside enjoying the weather whilst overlooking the water. 

7. Cardiff Bay Speed Boat 

There are companies that offer speed boating tours through the Cardiff barrage and into the Bristol Channel. This is a great bit of fun and perfect activity if you're an adrenaline junkie. Although you're provided with waterproof gear you're still guaranteed to get wet. Head over to the Bay Island Voyagers website to book a place.

8. Techniquest

Cardiff Bay is very child friendly. The science and discovery center of Techniquest is a popular place for children. The building is filled with interactive science experiment that children can take part in. It hosts many science events. Not only is the center very enjoyable it is highly educational. I used to go as a child and loved every second being there. 

9. Cardiff Bay Barrage

The walk along the barrage has recently been renovated making it a lovely walk along the waterfront. The major selling point to the development was a new pedestrian and cycle route from the Queen Alexander Dock to Penarth Head. This provided a short cut between Cardiff and Penarth cutting 2 miles off the journey. The alternative to the walk is the Cardiff Bay water taxi. If you find yourself at Penarth Head and feeling hungry, make sure you stop at Custom House. The manor house serves excellent food. 

10. Cardiff Bay International Pool

The Cardiff Bay International Pool is a modern facility opened in 2006. It has a 50m Olympic swimming pool, a leisure pool with slides and features, health suite, sauna and steam room. There is a gym that offers fitness classes. This place is child friendly and is reasonably priced. 

Cardiff Bay has many wonderful things to offer depending on your preferences. If you're into a relaxing walk whilst stopping off for a bite to eat and a couple drinks Cardiff Bay has that to offer. If you're into adventure stuff, then there is plenty to do in the International Sports Village. Cardiff Bay hosts many different events throughout the year (mainly in summer). I highly recommend you visit during an event to get a really feel of the lively vibe that Cardiff Bay has to offer.

** no photos displayed here are my own**